THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) awarded the 3rd Infantry Division and 301st Infantry Brigade for dismantling the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island.
ILOILO CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) awarded the 3rd Infantry Division and 301st Infantry Brigade for dismantling the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. awarded the AFP Campaign Streamer to the Joint Task Force (JT) Spear of the 3rd ID during the 90th anniversary of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Dec. 19.
The award was personally received by the commander of JTF Spear, Major Gen. Michael G. Samson, and 301st IB commander Brig. Gen. Nhel Richard E. Patricio.
“This achievement was made possible through sustained, intelligence-driven operations, strong inter-agency coordination, and the active support of local government units and communities who chose peace and development over violence,” said Samson in a statement.
The 301st IB, then led by Samson, intensified the campaign to dismantle the NPA Southern Front Committee of Panay Island that covers the southern portion of Iloilo province and Antique.
The campaign was continued by Patricio when Samson was promoted and became 3rd ID commander.
The 301st IB is composed of the 61st Infantry Battalion, the 12th Infantry Battalion, and the 82nd Infantry Battalion.
The 301 IB also received the same award last year.